As extreme weather conditions and wildfires ravage the country, utilities are moving to mitigate the risks. Grid hardening, undergrounding, line clearance tree trimming and other preventative measures are among the strategies employed.
At PG&E in California, one of the key strategies employed is the use of certified Vegetation Management Inspectors (VMIs). These IBEW 1245 members are tasked with identifying trees that have the potential of striking energized lines, engaging customers who are at risk, and coordinating with line clearance tree trimmers (LCTT) and journeymen linemen to take needed action.
On any given day, they patrol miles of territory, conduct assessments and document trees within striking distance of all of PGE’s overhead assets with the Focus Tree Inspection (FTI).
Enter Aubrey Carr, a Vegetation Management Inspector (VMI) extraordinaire, and a proud IBEW 1245 member and shop steward who works out of Jackson, part of the PG&E Stockton Division.
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, Carr went to work in a backroad off Shake Ridge Road in the Martel Circuits, examining trees and power lines as part of PG&E’s effort to mitigate fire risk.
“We hike to the power lines and look for needed prunes on vegetation for vegetation that’s going to break four foot compliance within a year. Or we assess the tree for health for any fall in hazards. A big part of the position is customer interaction and notifying them of the work on the property,” she shared.
On this occasion, Carr came across an insulator that broke off the pole. “It’s causing the line to sag a significant amount, and so it’s very, very close to vegetation. One tree might have even touched it,” she added. Abnormal field conditions such as these constitute an emergency. Following protocol, Carr reported her findings in real time and awaited a journeyman lineman to get to the site, rehang the line, and complete the assessment to determine if any further action was indicated.
“These hardworking members have spent many months on assignment, working mandatory extended hours to meet PGE’s goals,” shared IBEW 1245 Business Representative Todd Kadota.
The work is a vital element of protecting customers and broad swaths of the landscape.
Challenges abound. From safety hazards, poison oak, animals, and unhappy customers. Carr had to swerve around two deer who dashed across her path on route to the day’s worksite. She also addresses concerns of homeowners bristling at delays, power outages, and sometimes, the need to trim trees.
“I appreciate all the work they have done to assist in maintaining PGE infrastructure by mitigating vegetation hazards to help protect the public as demonstrated today,” declared Kadota.
For Carr, she loves the work, the customers and the Union.
“You can’t beat looking at trees all day, but one of the best parts is talking to the homeowners. You meet a lot of different people around here and a lot of times they have similar interests and care about the plants too. So it’s good talking to the community,” she added.
Carr has been with the IBEW 1245 since she signed onto PG&E three years ago. What does she like about being Union? “My favorite part of the month is going to the union meetings because when I leave the union meetings, I always feel empowered; where if I see a problem, I now know the routes I can take to be part of the solution, and I know someone’s going to have my back,” she declared.
Kadota adds, “I truly believe that Sister Carr and those like her are the true future of IBEW 1245 with their dedication to safety, professionalism, and sense of unity with all of her Union brother and sisters.”
- Eileen Purcell, Sr. Advisor with contributions by Business Representative Todd Kadota; Photos by John Storey